Speak Life by Vanessa Wynder Quainoo

Speak Life: The Blessing of Speaking to Bless Others

By Vanessa Wynder Quainoo

 I read this book twice in one sitting. When I got to page 207, I turned back to the Introduction and read the entire book again. Granted, the print is rather large and the line spacing is double, so it was quite easy to read. That being given, the concepts were not easy. When I finished the second time, I gave it to my husband and he read the entire book the same day.

 

 The reason the concepts weren’t easy is because what Professor Quainoo shares is completely different from every book I’ve read up until now. When I saw the title, I thought it would be another “say it and claim it” type of book that I’ve read many times before. Professor Quainoo’s material comes from a whole different place. First of all, she’s been a communications instructor for over twenty years, so she knows about words and their value. More importantly, she presents communication itself as a gift from God, and she encourages us to fine-tune our words for the purpose of affirming who we are in God and building each other up as well.

 

 Although the title is Speak Life, and much of the book has to do with affirming the truth of Scripture…I am redeemed. I am whole in Christ. I am healed in Christ… (page 66), a large portion of the book is what not to say.

 

One of the concepts that spoke directly to me is how she compares our prayers to God to the deliberations of a jury. The jury is not allowed to discuss the case with their friends and family. Professor Quainoo shared her experience as an official mediator in a conflict. She was given strict instructions to suspend any communication about the topic to any outsiders, only to say, “we are talking about it” or “we are expecting an agreeable solution” (page 96). She continued, (on page 97) “when we are praying through a situation with the Lord, we are in “deliberation” with Him. We are in “talks” with Him and we really should not say words that cast doubt on the plausibility of a solution.”

 

 Professor Quainoo concedes that not all words are beneficial. Some words are used for tearing down, not building up. She admonishes us to not use our words (or agreement with someone else’s words) to bring confusion to the church or to belittle our pastor.

 

“Complaints, critical barbs and jabs or even sophisticated expressions of doubt and despair should not be met with agreement by a listening Christian (page 82).

 

 She warns us against “sowing a seed of doubt by “suggesting” or inculcating that the leader of the organization, ministry, project, etc…is somehow less capable than you or someone else. In kingdom life, order and respect for authority cannot be dismissed because of talent or ability (page 154). Wow!  Unfortunately, I have been guilty of this very thinking, not realizing that who God ordained is ordained, and my only job is to pray for them.

 

The book ends with a beautiful poem that recalls Psalm 1: “He (who meditates on God’s words day and night) shall be like the tree planted by the rivers of water.”